North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the opening of several new hotels in the country’s northeastern tourist zone alongside his daughter Kim Ju-ae, as he sought to showcase economic development ahead of a key ruling party congress.
According to state media Korean Central News Agency, five hotels were inaugurated over the weekend in Samjiyon City, near the border with China. Kim toured the facilities with his daughter during the ceremonies, with photographs released by the agency showing the pair inspecting the upscale interiors.
Kim was quoted as saying the new hotels were «clear proof of the rising status of our people and the development potential of our country.» The appearances are part of a series of public inspections and openings by the leader in recent weeks, including multiple factory launches.
North Korea is expected to hold its first party congress in five years in early 2026, when a new five-year development plan is set to be announced. Analysts say Kim’s frequent public appearances with his daughter have also fueled speculation about her future role in the country’s leadership.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Cambodia and Thailand agreed to hold talks on December 24 aimed at reviving a ceasefire brokered earlier this year, as deadly fighting along their shared border entered a third week.
